I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 94 Shen Dare! The Emperor's Favor, the Elder's Favor, and a Special Promotion

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

When the lecturers heard Zhang Siwei's plan to "severely punish the heretic leaders in the academy", they couldn't help but shake their heads.

If the imperial court really wanted to severely punish those rebellious folk literary leaders, it would be easy to find a crime for them.

But there are scholars of later generations who admire these doctrines.

Just like leeks, after you cut one crop, another will grow.

No matter what the court did, it could not completely shut their mouths or take away their pens.

And people like He Xinyin, Luo Rufang, and Li Zhi.

If the court regarded him as a heretic, he would be severely punished.

On the contrary, it will make them famous and make their theoretical propositions more respected by the world.

The imperial court must never go against the scholars of the world. Relying on hegemony and oppression will only provoke more resistance.

All the lecturers had frowns on their faces.

If it were just a few scholars talking nonsense on the street, this matter could be suppressed.

But now they are crying in the Confucian Temple and crying in the emperor's ears.

Within two days, the news would spread throughout Beijing, and some scholars would even run to the Imperial Examination Hall to cause trouble during the provincial examination.

An explanation must be given as soon as possible.

At this time.

Hanlin editor Shen Yikuan stood up.

"Your Majesty, instead of treating them as heretics and punishing them severely, I think it would be better to invite them all to the capital and hold a conference where all schools of thought could discuss the principles of heaven and earth and explore the changes in human affairs. The court could also send officials well-versed in rituals, laws, and the teachings of the sages to participate in the discussion. They could refute all of their arguments and then compile a book for the people of the world to see what is right and what is wrong!"

On the side, Shen Shixing couldn't help but smile when he heard this.

The main force of officials that Shen Yikuan referred to as "those who are proficient in rituals, laws, and the ways of sages" was himself.

He always has an inexplicable confidence in himself.

But some truths often become more confusing the more you argue about them, and the more you confuse right and wrong.

Wang Xijue shook his head and said, "There are countless schools of thought in the world. Each school has its own schools, and each school has its own schools. Some are extreme, while others have their own merits. It will take time to truly determine what is right and what is wrong. The court does not have the energy for this!"

Shen Shixing echoed, "To change the ideas of some evil Confucians, it would be difficult unless the rivers flow backwards or Mount Tai turns into a lake!"

Zhang Juzheng nodded slightly.

The reason why he adopted this kind of banning method was that he knew that arguing was useless and extremely time-consuming.

In addition, there is another point that no one wants to mention.

That is, if we really want to conduct a fair and just discussion of various schools of thought, official learning may not necessarily outperform private learning, and it would be a huge embarrassment if that happened!

At this time, Shen Nian stood up.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the discussion of a hundred schools of thought on learning is not as good as the discussion of a hundred schools of thought on politics."

"Cough...cough..."

Hearing this, Lu Diaoyang's heart tightened and he couldn't help coughing.

The discussions of hundreds of schools of thought are enough to disrupt the academic atmosphere in the world. If hundreds of schools of thought were allowed to discuss politics, there would probably be chaos from the court to the people!
When it comes to academics, perhaps some scholars are not interested.

But when it comes to discussing politics, every educated person would want to say a few words and criticize the current politics.

Many scholars, although they are not very knowledgeable.

But all he talked about was how to destroy Mongolia, how to get rid of the Japanese pirates, and even how to destroy all the surrounding small countries.

"Go on!" Zhang Juzheng looked at Shen Nian.

He liked to hear Shen Nian's unique and bold words.

Shen Nian paused and continued, "The imperial court banned private academies and prohibited students from commenting on government affairs. This was done to ensure the stability of the country, the well-being of the people, and to facilitate the implementation of new policies and national policies!"

"However, this action is only a temporary solution, not a fundamental solution. Scholars and other scholars continue to lecture privately and criticize government affairs. The more we try to stop them, the more they criticize."

"How about we open it up completely and recruit famous scholars and leaders of private academies from all over the world, and let them come to the capital to debate their political views."

"Currently, the most popular branch of the School of Mind among scholars is the School of Reverence for Antiquity. They believe that the Duke of Zhou assisted in governing the country, and that punishment was unnecessary. They advocate abolishing prisons and emphasizing education, so that everyone can become a gentleman. We will have these people debate with officials from the Three Judicial Departments, and have them interact with some seriously convicted criminals, to see if they can influence these heinous criminals with virtue."

"There are also a series of speeches advocating for governing by inaction, governing by Buddhism, and governing by filial piety and brotherhood. Officials can discuss the ultimate consequences of such governance."

"The purpose of the Hundred Schools of Thought is not to convince those bigoted Confucian scholars, nor is it to force the world to accept only one political view. Instead, it is to leave behind what the people really want through the discussion, and to let young people know what is right and wrong."

"Like Shen Maoxue and Tang Xianzu of yesterday, who advocated lifting the ban on private academies and allowing students to express their opinions on politics, this was truly motivated by concern for the times and a love for the people. When they truly understand state affairs and are able to enter officialdom, not only will they not criticize the court's policies, but they may even become key ministers in implementing them!"

"The purpose of the Hundred Schools of Thought Forum is to allow all those who have suggestions or complaints about the court to speak out, to put all issues on the table, to first let the people of the world see the court's attitude, and then to gather everyone's wisdom to discuss statecraft. Afterwards, this will be written down and spread to the people. Once the academic atmosphere is rectified, the ban on private academies can be lifted, allowing students from all over the world to speak out on politics!"

……

After Shen Nian finished speaking, everyone fell into deep thought.

in short.

Shen Nian wanted to use an unprecedented political discussion to eliminate some unrealistic folk ideas and select some good national policies that were suitable for implementation, so as to rectify the academic style, scholar style, and official style of the world.

At this time.

Ma Ziqiang stood up and looked at Shen Nian.

"Ziheng, you're too idealistic! Some people's political vision is to weaken the court, weaken the laws, and exempt the people from labor. They hold the moral high ground, despise the laws, and have countless followers. If they gain the upper hand during political discussions, leading more people to believe that the court's new policies are misguided, things could get out of control!"

Ma Ziqiang is very rational.

He understood that some evil Confucian scholars, under the slogan of caring for the people of the world, could attract countless followers with a wave of their hands. Although it was useless, it could still mislead people.

For many young scholars who take the words of some evil Confucian scholars as their guiding principles.

They did not care how much military expenditure the court needed, how much silver was needed for disaster relief, or how much money was needed to suppress bandits. They only believed that the court's current policy was not a good policy because it caused the people to suffer.

of course.

There are many problems in the court at present, so Ma Ziqiang is very insecure.

Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Shen Nian's face.

"Master Ma, don't worry, our new policies will definitely not be shaken by this political debate."

"The real audience for the Hundred Schools of Thought, the ones who truly wanted to see change, were local officials and scholars throughout the world. More precisely, they were local officials and scholars who could represent the interests of the grassroots people."

"Is our performance appraisal system harsh on officials and lenient on the people?"

"Are our post-payment regulations eliminating privileges and prioritizing the private sector for the public good?"

"We measure the land, isn't it so that the taxation of the whole country can be more clear and reasonable, so that the people don't have to pay taxes for the powerful and wealthy?"

……

"Including the recent emphasis by His Majesty on 'strengthening the country by prioritizing the safety of the people,' this still places the interests of the people of the world first."

"How could officials who are committed to the well-being of the people oppose these new policies? How could the common people oppose them? If there is any opposition, it must be because some officials have implemented the new policies incorrectly!"

After hearing this, Wang Xijue, Shen Shixing, Shen Yikuan, Wang Jiaping and others.

The corners of his mouth trembled slightly.

What Shen Nian said just now not only demonstrated the correctness of the new policies in recent years, but also praised the young Wanli and Zhang Juzheng.

How could the higher-ups not like such an official!
Shen Nian raised his voice and continued, "The purpose of the court's new policies is to save the country, to make things fairer, and to allow the people to live and work in peace and contentment. This reform is for the benefit of the people. Why should the court fear that someone might overturn the current new policies?"

"On the other hand, some celebrities who constantly mock the government claim to be working for the people, for fairness, for freedom, but in reality they're trying to earn the title of 'Teacher of All Ages.' They can lecture, they can deceive young scholars, but when it comes to discussing practical politics, they inevitably show their weakness!"

"The people some celebrities claim to be helping aren't the people of the world, but rather a handful of mediocre and incompetent scholars. Some celebrities appear to be pursuing academic research, but in reality, they're all engaged in petty business dealings. Some celebrities deliberately engage in ostentatious activities, taking pride in visiting prostitutes and wearing bizarre clothing. They may win the admiration of some, but they can't deceive the eyes of the world. This Hundred Schools of Thought will reveal their true colors."

"This Hundred Schools of Thought Conference is actually a corrective move by the court to cleanse its deep-rooted ills, rectify people's hearts, put an end to heresy, and allow the young people of the world to return to the mainstream! As long as the court focuses all new policies on the people of the world, this Hundred Schools of Thought Conference will make the new policies more successful, and more and more scholars will support the new policies!"

……

Shen Nian's words touched everyone's heart.

Especially some old officials who entered the officialdom since the Jiajing period.

They understood that the current chaotic and distorted social atmosphere in the Ming Dynasty was caused by Emperor Zhengde, Emperor Jiajing and Emperor Longqing.

When they first became officials, they all cared about the people of the world, but later they found that they were completely powerless.

When it prospers, the people suffer; when it dies, the people suffer.

It is a historical necessity.

Therefore, their purpose tended to consolidate imperial power and improve their own status.

As long as the Ming Dynasty does not fall, they will be the happiest and most benefited group of people.

As for the new political reforms, most people did not think too much about it. They were just obeying and implementing Zhang Juzheng's ideas, and did not regard it as a belief.

Now Shen Nian's words made them all feel a little ashamed.

If we really move in this direction, accept supervision from the people of the world, and devote ourselves to reform and change, it will be very difficult.

But if successful, the Ming Dynasty will usher in an unprecedented era of prosperity.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng was working in this direction.

Although Zhang Juzheng's expression was calm, he was very excited.

He himself was not as convinced as Shen Nian that this series of new policies was the best strategy to save the world, the people and the country.

He opposed blind worship of the past and lofty theories.

What he hoped for was not just the good of the court, and what he pursued was not just high position and fame.

But I want to create a prosperous era.

otherwise.

He doesn't have to implement new policies that will trouble everyone, and he doesn't have to offend so many powerful people.

As long as he teaches the little emperor well and ensures that there is no war or chaos in the world, he can sit comfortably in the position of Prime Minister.

Shen Nian's words completely touched his heart.

At this time, little Wanli was a little confused.

He looked at Zhang Juzheng and asked, "Prime Minister, what do you think?"

Zhang Juzheng strode out and said, "I believe that a Hundred Schools of Thought is feasible. The imperial court is fully capable of bearing all the consequences. If some heretical and unorthodox ideas still cannot be suppressed, I suggest using courtesy first and then force!"

In Zhang Juzheng's eyes, opposing the New Deal was tantamount to opposing the imperial court.

If relying on public opinion and public opinion still cannot make some heretical teachings disappear, he will use the Ming Dynasty laws.

"Do you have any objections, sir?"

"I second the motion!" Lu Diaoyang and Zhang Siwei bowed at the same time.

"I second the motion!" All the officials also bowed.

They were completely convinced by Shen Nian.

If successful, this matter will surely go down in history and become a good story; if something unexpected happens, the Prime Minister Zhang Juzheng will still be responsible!
"Alright, let the cabinet finalize the details. I suggest that the discussion be held on the Double Ninth Festival. The higher you stand, the farther you can see!"

"I obey your command!" Zhang Juzheng bowed.

……

this moment.

Shen Yikuan looked at Shen Nian's back and said in his heart: He...he...wants to join the cabinet!

The other daily lecturers looked at Shen Nian with admiration in their eyes.

Since Shen Nian became a daily lecturer, his performance has become increasingly outstanding. In ten years at the least and twenty years at the most, he will surely become the prime minister of the dynasty.

No one can resist his brilliance.

……

August 4th, early morning.

The cabinet drafted the "Double Ninth Festival Hundred Schools of Thought" and submitted it to the palace.

The general content was: Due to students weeping in the temple, the imperial court requested the lifting of the ban on private academies and urged students to express their opinions on government. After public deliberation, the court concluded that the widespread criticism of government policy stemmed largely from private academies, which must be punished, but that some also possessed strategies that could benefit the court. Therefore, a Hundred Schools Political Discussion would be held in front of the Duanmen Gate in the capital on the Double Ninth Festival. All principals, lecturers, and Confucian scholars from private academies would be invited to bring their opinions to the capital to discuss government. This discussion would be unrestricted, and all speeches and writings would be compiled into a book for public perusal. The goal was to eliminate falsehood and retain truth, and to find strategies for a prosperous and flourishing era. Following the discussion, the ban on private academies that met the criteria would be lifted...

There are also some detailed regulations, for example: the court will personally invite some influential celebrities to come to the capital; those who find it difficult to express their opinions on politics will be persuaded to return; those who are only concerned with personal gain and have no regard for the country and the people will be persuaded to return; those who do not have the money for a carriage can seek help from the local state government with their political documents, etc.

In short, most of those who participated in the Hundred Schools of Thought were famous scholars who had their own doctrines and many followers. Those who had their own opinions and could pass the review of the Imperial College could also participate in the Hundred Schools of Thought.

This event is neither false nor hypocritical, it seeks truth from facts and seeks solutions, and it will not secretly arrest some heretics.

The court is sincere.

……

August 5th, noon.

The "Double Ninth Festival Hundred Schools of Thought on Politics" was officially released.

The Ministry of Public Administration sent the imperial edict to all prefectures and states. The farthest ones would take half a month to reach by post.

As soon as this decree was issued, many scholars in the capital were excited.

If they had not seen the official document posted in front of the government office with their own eyes, they would not have believed that the court could take such an action.

Shen Maoxue, Tang Xianzu and other students who participated in the crying temple were all a little confused.

They didn't expect this result.

They originally thought that the court would most likely give them the cold shoulder or treat them as heretics, but they did not expect that the court would actually invite scholars from all over the world to discuss politics.

Just based on this kind of courage, such a court is worthy of support.

"A hundred schools of thought are discussing politics, a move for a prosperous era. We finally have the opportunity to offer our opinions and suggestions to the court!"

"Extend your sincerity to the world, and be at peace with all things. A prosperous age is in sight! A prosperous age is in sight!"

"The court still listens to the voices of the people, and Your Majesty is still wise and benevolent. I hope that after this discussion, the ban on private academies across the country can be lifted, allowing scholars to speak freely!"

"It's long overdue! Some heretical teachings always deceive young people. I hope this political discussion will allow the people of the world to see the evil intentions of those evil Confucian scholars!"

……

On the streets of the capital, scholars and young men were running around telling each other the news, extremely excited.

Some even held banquets.

They felt like a torrential downpour that suddenly fell on a dry land that had not seen rain for a year.

At this moment, Shen Nian naturally knew the reaction of the folk scholars.

He is very calm.

He felt that this discussion among hundreds of schools of thought would not only not cause chaos, but would also help implement the new policies.

In addition to the support of the people, he has another thing to rely on.

Hai Gangfeng will arrive in the capital at the end of August.

He is a staunch patriot and loyal to the emperor, and the most upright official and private person at present. If he could participate, it would surely make this political discussion even more exciting.

……

August 6th, near noon.

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

Young Wanli sat on the throne, looking down at the troubled Minister of Personnel Zhang Han.

"Minister Zhang, Editor Shen has come up with two excellent suggestions. Why can't he be promoted to Imperial Tutor or Imperial Lecturer as an exception?"

"Your Majesty, the editor is of the seventh rank, while the lecturer and tutor are both of the sixth rank, jumping two ranks. Even if his political achievements are outstanding, Editor Shen has not been in the government for many years. Moreover, he was promoted not long ago, so he is too young..."

"Promoting him too quickly would hinder his growth, and I'm afraid the three elders wouldn't agree."

"In addition, if Editor Shen serves as a Reader or Lecturer, he can be promoted to a fifth-rank Reader or Lecturer after three years. According to convention, Reader or Lecturer positions are part-time positions for the Vice Ministers of the six ministries. Editor Shen is far too young to be a third-rank official at the age of thirty!"

"Why not? The Prime Minister has already said that when selecting officials, only ability is considered, not seniority!"

Little Wanli touched his nose.

"Then...then...how do you think we can get promoted?"

Zhang Han thought for a moment and said, "Promoting him to the position of editor is not appropriate. He can take the position of Hanlin editor and concurrently serve as Zuo Zanshan of the Zhanshi Mansion, receiving a salary of the sixth rank."

"Okay, you can report it to the cabinet. Don't forget to tell the prime minister that I want to promote him to the position of imperial lecturer or imperial reader!" Little Wanli said with a smile.

"I obey!"

Zhang Han suddenly realized that this was the little emperor's strategy of retreating in order to advance.

He knew that it was difficult to promote Shen Nian at the moment, so he first proposed to promote him skipping levels, and then made it easier for the cabinet to agree to Shen Nian's promotion.

It was unprecedented for an emperor to compete with the Minister of Personnel for the promotion of a seventh-rank official.

……

More than half an hour later, the cabinet was on duty.

Zhang Han drafted a promotion document for Shen Nian and personally presented it to Zhang Juzheng.

After Zhang Juzheng read it, he smiled and said, "Accurate!"

"Lord, Editor Shen was just recently promoted. If he were to be promoted again, I'm afraid... I'm afraid it would cause complaints from other officials!"

Zhang Juzheng puffed out his chest.

"Tell those officials who have complaints that anyone who can propose a policy like Shen Ziheng's, a policy of pacifying the people, or a policy like "a hundred schools of thought are inferior to a hundred schools of thought in politics," and who can clearly explain the reasons so that the court is willing to implement it, will be promoted two levels!"

Hearing this, Zhang Han was immediately happy.

Favored by the emperor and the cabinet ministers.

It is very likely that this 26-year-old newcomer to the court will become a third-rank minister before he turns 30.

(End of this chapter)